Vëska Bistro & Banya Resort (Belarusian Cuisine & Sauna) — Restaurant in Pemberton

I was truly excited to visit this establishment as it was recommended by some friend and I LOVE pancakes. When we ordered we were told that there would be an hour wait for the pancakes (we ordered 1 large pancake and 1 scone)- in reality it took half an hour (perhaps we misheard). They did have a sign outlining how long Large pancakes take to cook (20mins). Additionally, they have a small but lovely collection of lavender related products as well as souvenirs such as cups and etc.

Location: Contrary to our expectations, the lavender and berry farm is actually a well maintained medium sized garden which would take 1 minute (if you really drag it along) to walk through. They had a few varieties of lavender plants (which are all available from Bunnings if you want to start a lavender farm) and other shrubs/plants with some cute garden ornaments. They also had a kids playground which in my opinion was a nice touch.

Food: The pancake had a nice crisp edge (which works) however the more we ate the doughier it got. I'm sure it is cooked but I guess 1 large pancake was too big for 2 people. The accompanying berry sauce and ice cream saved the pancake. Hubby ordered the scones so we could have something to snack on while we wait for the pancakes but they brought it all out together. This is our bad as we did not specify our intention. The scone was perfectly baked and soft; just shame about the doughy pancake. I would recommend ordering the small pancake instead- the berry sauce is a winner and the pancake's life saving grace.

Service: There was a smiley waitress who serviced us (thank goodness) and then we witnessed another waitress serving other patrons who had a "I'm so over this.." look. I guess she was still polite enough.

I went back to purchase a souvenir after our meal and waited at the counter with hubby for the cashier/barista who was currently conversing with the kitchen staff. She noticed hubby and I at counter when she turned around then proceeded to add in her 5 cents worth into the conversation; looked at hubby and I again whilst smiling - sheepishly? and turned her attention to finishing up making a cup of coffee. The cup of coffee which she took back into the kitchen (we gave her the benefit of the doubt that it was a coffee for a patron rather than the kitchen staff but looking back into it... I don't recall the coffee being taken out to the dining area by the waitress...); she again chipped in her final cents worth to conversation whilst taking the 5 steps which seemed forever out of the kitchen. Finally, we can process my purchase. She asked with good intentions on whether we checked the contents to make sure there weren't any breakages; to which she proceeded to unbox and put her hands all over the item - self note: must wash and disinfect item before gifting - since we are all covid-19 conscious after all. This to hubby and I, was a strange/awkward experience where the prioritising seems a bit skewed... oh well shrug

Dining experience: Family friendly but since the dining area was enclosed/outdoor, any noise was amplified. So where there are kids, there will always be some form of squeal/crying/ etc. So if you are looking for a quiet dining experience, try and get a seat away from the enclosed area (if at all possible).

Final verdict: I'm giving this 3/5, I expected more due to the ratings and recommendations but the service, food and location didn't meet up to our expectations, especially when we had just visited a couple of other cafes during our getaway/holiday that makes this place pale in comparison. This isn't to say you shouldn't visit here. It is still a "nice place" with "good food", however if you are after the "wow" factor, this establishment has unfortunately...

We have been visiting the lavender and berry farm for many years now, and we'll be continuing to do so. They have a range of different options on the menu. However, the absolute must is the pancakes! The property itself is among a stunning lake and beautiful gardens, and they are worth having a walk around after you've tackled their amazing pancake.

Dogs are welcome, and there is a playground for the kids.

If you are looking for a really neat place to visit in pemberton, the lavender and berry farm is a must!

*Edit

Visited the Veska Cafe on Saturday with anticipation as it has been a couple of years since we have had the pleasure of having a "pemby pan cake." "... our party of 9 was very much looking forward to spending the morning at the cafe and grounds, enjoying the playground, beautiful gardens and animals....

It was to my dismay upon arrival the condition of the gardens (usually stunning) the removal of the play equipment for the kids (replaced with two oddly positioned fixed tents) and relocated farm animals.

We continued into the Cafe with hope that it was only the gardens that had been neglected and that our experience could be up lifted with pancakes.

No issue with wait times, we were made well aware. Coffee's were all nice and the scones were enjoyed by those who ordered...

We did however find it slightly odd to be waited on by some very young staff, I'm well aware of how family businesses run however I think there are certain ages "staff" should be especially when interacting with customers

The pancakes, however .... well, not amazing would be a compliment, doughy and bland with berries and ice cream. Nothing of the former AMAZING pancakes I remember (and I'm sure hundreds of existing customers, too).

We had a couple of new menu items and found them to be a really odd choice for the setting, and although eaten certainly weren't enough to encourage us back.

Sad to say, but I think we'll stick with our memories of the lavender and Berry farm and seek a new breakfast eatery in town.

(Also think dogs are no...

One of the best meals we’ve ever had!

We were passing through Pemberton on our way to Denmark last week and happened to see a road sign for the Lavender and Berry Farm, however once we arrived, discovered that there had recently been a change of ownership.

I’ll be honest, first impressions were not great. The outside looked a little rundown and we thought it was abandoned at first.

Once we went through to the back seating area, we were pleasantly surprised to see a very quaint little area and there were even some animals to feed (which the kids enjoyed).

The menu was really interesting, being Belarusian - which we’ve never tried before! The options all sounded delicious and it was difficult to choose!

I ended going for the dumplings and my partner went for the fried sauerkraut. There weren’t many options for the kids, so we got them a Pemby pancake to share.

Everything was absolutely delicious! Just incredibly yummy. I can now say I love Belarusian cuisine! 😍

We also really appreciated the fact (which is mentioned on their menu) that they don’t use seed oils in their cooking. I really hope to see more establishments taking this route in the future.

We ordered some coffees to go and I very much enjoyed my one with honey and butter! Yum! The kids also guzzled their Barbacino!

I wish we lived closer, because this would be a regular spot for us.

The only thing I would say in addition, is that I really wish the little gift shop had things we could buy to take home and eat! Like jams or yummy Belarusian treats. I think making it full of homemade gourmet goodies would be fantastic! Also wish the ice cream was handmade. 😜

The owners were lovely and I wish them all the best and much success...